FOOTBALL – PHIL Foden produced a superb hat-trick as Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Uefa Champions League at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, delivering an impressive performance despite a subdued atmosphere.
At Anfield, Liverpool produced a stirring comeback to defeat Villarreal 4-3 in a dramatic encounter, overcoming an early two-goal deficit to secure victory after an entertaining seven-goal contest.
Paris St Germain underlined their status as European champions by beating Barcelona 4-2.
Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz scored for PSG, with Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal twice pulling Barcelona level in the second half.
Barcelona arrived at the Parc des Princes with a perfect record across all competitions this season, but PSG proved more clinical in a high-tempo contest to hand the Catalans their first defeat of the campaign.
The victory moved PSG onto nine points and top of the Champions League standings, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.
City took control early when Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, marking his first goal for the club. Foden doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, capping a dominant first-half display by the hosts.
AEK briefly threatened to make a contest of it after Stavros Pilios pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute. However, City’s response was swift and decisive, with Rayan Cherki restoring their two-goal cushion five minutes later.
Foden then took centre stage, scoring again in the 65th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 76th. His third goal came from close range as he operated in a false No. 9 role, underlining his versatility and strengthening his case to provide cover for Erling Haaland.
City manager Enzo Maresca had rested Haaland amid a demanding schedule, making eight changes to the side that featured at the weekend. The decision proved justified, as City controlled proceedings and comfortably kept the Greek champions at bay.
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